Philippines makes history as its Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is the first in the world to use blockchain technology in the issuance of seafarers’ certifications.

Marina, the Philippine agency that oversees development, promotion, and regulation of the maritime industry in the country, just inked a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore-based maritime tech solutions innovator Navozyme Pte Ltd in order to use the latter’s blockchain-powered platform in issuing seafarers’ certifications.

According to a report by The Manila Times, Marina will utilize Navozyme’s platform Navozyme-Certificate Authentication Platform (N-Cap) in issuing said certifications.

Navozyme Philippine lead Patricia Fernandez said that “the collaboration between Marina and Navozyme aims to eliminate the risk of fraudulent certificate issuance and streamline process flows creating greater safety, productivity, and an enhanced reputation for the Philippines’ maritime industry.”

The same report also quoted Fernandez explaining how blockchain technology expedites the exchange of information.